1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Chassis rust or damage3.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  19.5% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  29.3% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  12.5% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rust in key structural areas2.6× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  6.4% All 1999 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.7% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Rust and bodywork
  32% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  28% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?